Best Master’s in Project Management Online 2024
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Editor & Writer
Reviewer & Writer
Editor & Writer
Editor & Writer
Reviewer & Writer
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Are you one of those rare folks who can see the big picture and all the details that go into it? A visionary who can map out each step on the path to realizing your vision?
Then you have the makings of an excellent project manager. This means you probably already know your next step: Earning an online master's degree in project management.
It's a smart move. Every business in every industry needs skilled project managers who can plan, budget, organize, supervise, and execute major business projects. Demand is outpacing supply: A 2021 report by the Project Management Institute (PMI) projects that the global economy will need 25 million new project professionals by 2030.
A master's degree from one of these top online project management programs can position you for a great career in project management.
Featured Online Master's in Project Management Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
Best Online Master's in Project Management Programs
We use trusted sources like
Peterson's Data
and the National Center for Education Statistics to inform the data for these schools.
BestColleges.com is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site.
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University of Wisconsin, Platteville
Platteville, WI - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Programmatic Accreditation: Project Management Institute
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $750
Out-of-State | $750
Credits to Graduate: 36
The expert-led courses in UW-Platteville's master of science in project management follow accelerated eight-week schedules. Learners can graduate in as few as two years. The program also accepts professional experience as transfer credits in certain cases, creating further avenues for cost and time savings.
The MS program requires coursework that covers project management best practices, with supplementary classes in accounting, communications, and organizational behavior. This degree also satisfies one-third of the experience requirements for the Project Management Institute's valuable Project Management Professional certification.
Saint Mary's University of Minnesota
Winona, MN - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Programmatic Accreditation: Project Management Institute
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $730
Out-of-State | $730
Credits to Graduate: 36
Saint Mary's online master of science in project management is designed for busy professionals. Students can pursue stackable certificates in 10 targeted subject areas. The certificates enhance the degree's value and may help accelerate graduates' career growth.
Certificate options complement a rigorous academic core focused on professional project management proficiencies. The certificate options at Saint Mary's include artificial intelligence, business analytics, healthcare administration or analytics, human resource management, leadership, nonprofit management, organizational change, and project management.
Sam Houston State University
Huntsville, TX - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $320
Out-of-State | $320
Credits to Graduate: 36
SHSU's online master of science in project management combines affordability with academic rigor. Learners benefit from small class sizes that support close interactions with the program's highly qualified faculty members. Coursework focuses on developing critical proficiencies in the interdisciplinary skills and strategic principles required to bring business projects to successful conclusions.
Enrollment is available for the fall, spring, and summer semesters. Graduates emerge ready to meet professional challenges in roles with advancement potential. The program also supports the academic requirements for professional certification from the Project Management Institute.
University of Kansas
Lawrence, KS - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $585
Out-of-State | $585
Credits to Graduate: 33
KU's online project management master's program begins with a rigorous four-course sequence in project management fundamentals. Learners then proceed into a focused core covering communications, financial management, and leadership skills. Three electives and a capstone project round out the program's structure.
Degree-seekers benefit from a 100% online, asynchronous learning model designed for the convenience of working professionals. Coursework is aligned with Project Management Institute principles, which emphasize collaboration and management proficiencies that can apply to many different working environments.
University of Mary
Bismarck, ND - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Programmatic Accreditation: International Accreditation Council for Business Education, Project Management Institute
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $580
Out-of-State | $580
Credits to Graduate: 36
University of Mary's online master of project management program emphasizes an integrated set of key skills aligned with Project Management Institute best practices. Learners focus on business communications and ethical conduct. The program's rigorous academic core culminates in a capstone focused on a value-added opportunity for an organization.
Designed for business professionals working to build advanced project management skills, the program also recognizes career experience as transferable credit. Learners can complete the program in as few as 15 months or less if they maximize their transfer credit allowances.
Florida Institute of Technology Online
Melbourne, FL - 4 years
- Online
Cost per Semester:
In-State | $4,371
Out-of-State | $9,285
Credits to Graduate: 33
FIU's online master's in project management uses a variety of learning models, including lectures, workshops, student-led discussions, and expert guest speakers. The program's philosophy focuses on preparing students for management-level positions with strong impacts on organizational performance.
Concentration options include information systems and operations research. Students can also create their own customizable specialization by strategically choosing electives. Applicants with undergraduate degrees in non-business fields are welcome to apply but may be required to complete a prerequisite course in economics.
Georgetown University
Washington, DC - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Programmatic Accreditation: Project Management Institute
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $1,573
Out-of-State | $1,573
Credits to Graduate: 30
Specifically designed for working professionals, Georgetown's online master's in project management uses a practical, applied approach that emphasizes experiential learning. Required courses cover traditional and agile project management, along with project planning and execution, collaborative communication, and business ethics. In order to graduate, students must complete a capstone experience.
Degree-seekers have flexible self-pacing options, with graduation timelines ranging from 2-5 years. Learners can add an optional 12-credit certificate in lean and agile project management practices to the degree.
George Washington University
Washington, DC - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Programmatic Accreditation: Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $1,965
Out-of-State | $1,965
Credits to Graduate: 30
Offered through GWU's AACSB-accredited School of Business, this online master of science in project management emphasizes management strategies informed by decision science principles. Initially launched in 1996, GWU's MS program is among the first online project management degrees.
GWU's academic philosophy combines project management specifics with general management proficiencies. Required courses emphasize multiple project management strategies while also covering finance, risk analysis and measurement, analytics, and collaborative approaches to management.
Applicants must send in a resume, letter of recommendation, and statement of purpose in addition to academic transcripts. GWU describes admissions as competitive.
University of Southern California
Los Angeles, CA - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Programmatic Accreditation: Project Management Institute
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $2,244
Out-of-State | $2,244
Credits to Graduate: 24
Offered through Bovard College, USC's online master of science in project management program features a holistic curriculum. Learners study risk management, budgeting, scheduling, business analysis, process improvement, and organizational change through a dynamic project management lens. Students build skills with strong cross-industry relevance.
Students can choose from two tracks. The two-year track follows standard pacing, leading to graduation in the standard timeframe. An intensive accelerated one-year track facilitates faster graduation. Both options feature 100% online, asynchronous classes that optimize scheduling flexibility.
Elmhurst University
Elmhurst, IL - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Programmatic Accreditation:
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $900
Out-of-State | $900
Credits to Graduate: 30
EU's project management master's degree program is intended for the established professional looking to advance their career. The program is offered in a flexible format, allowing students to attend classes on campus, exclusively online, or a combination of both. Candidates undecided between a graduate certificate or a master's in project management can start with the certificate, which requires the same first four classes as the master's, and then pursue the graduate degree later.
Graduation requirements include 10 courses or 30 semester hours, and students typically take 21 months to complete the degree.
Rankings compiled by the BestColleges Ranking Team
How We Rank Schools
In order to create this rankings list, BestColleges sourced the most recent data available from the National Center for Education Statistics and the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. We then ranked each school according to the top variables college students selected in our 2023 College Choice and Admissions Survey.
To qualify for our ranking list, each school must be an accredited public or private, nonprofit institution. Each school is ranked based on a formula measuring:
- Affordability (30%)
- Student outcomes (30%)
- Reputation (20%)
- Diversity and social mobility (20%)
In addition, we only included colleges with graduation rates in the top third of all online colleges. Read more about our rankings methodology.
Why Should I Get An Online Project Management Degree?
You don't need a master's in project management to become a project manager. That's one reason to get it — you'll be far more qualified than your peers.
Pay is another big plus. According to Payscale, project managers with a master's degree make about 15% more per year than those with a bachelor's degree in project management.
Benefits of a Master's in Project Management
- Boost your salary and potential lifetime earnings
- Advance your project management career with a more prestigious degree
- Improve your project management skills
- Increase your chances of employability
Reasons to Get Your Master's in Project Management Online
- Learn from wherever you want
- Keep working while you study
- Flexibility improves work-life balance
- Better for neurodivergent learning styles
How Long Does An Online Master's In Project Management Take?
An online master's in project management takes 2-3 years to finish. The timeline can change depending on a few different factors:
-
Credit requirements -
The pace of the coursework -
If you're a full-time or part-time student -
If you're in an accelerated project management program
Timeline for a Master's Degree
Average Length of Time
2-3 years*
Required Course Credits
30-60 credits*
*Varies depending on your school/program
Related Master's in Project Management Degree Concentrations
As you research and select an online program, it's important to carefully consider your career goals. Look for areas of specialization that align with your interests.
Here are five common project management degree concentrations that can make you more marketable in specific fields:
-
IT Project Management
Expect to learn about tech project governance, software development methodologies, and information technology infrastructure management. -
Leadership and Team Management
Develop leadership and people skills by understanding conflict resolution, team dynamics, communication strategies, and theories of motivation. -
Risk Management
Prepare to guide teams and businesses through thorny risk scenarios and uncertain times. Topics generally include risk analysis, risk management, and risk mitigation. -
Healthcare Project Management
Apply project management principles within a complex healthcare industry by mastering healthcare regulations, information systems, and processes. -
Agile Project Management
Learn to manage projects in dynamic environments where project demands and customer needs may change quickly. The focus is on adaptability, iteration, and flexibility.
What Jobs Can You Get With a Master's Degree in Project Management?
A project management degree will provide excellent transferable skills that contribute to many careers. At most jobs, you will oversee projects, develop strategies, and coordinate tasks for team members. This makes project management a great starting point for most careers. However, some of the roles presented in the chart below will require additional certifications and experience to qualify.
| Job Title | Average Salary (2023) |
|---|---|
| Project Manager (IT) | $82,250 |
| Operations Manager | $87,750 |
| Project Engineer | $73,500 |
| Quality Manager | $95,000 |
| Senior Business Analyst | $102,780 |
Frequently Asked Questions About Master's in Project Management
Do you need a master's to become a project manager?
You don't need a master's degree to be a project manager, but having one is a significant advantage. A master's degree gives you substantial credibility and expertise, increasing your chances of getting a job. Employers are more likely to favor someone with a master's degree than a bachelor's degree, which is the usual minimum requirement for project managers.
What are the advantages of studying project management?
Studying project management can help you develop widely transferable skills like leadership, project budgeting, setting deadlines and priorities, people management, risk mitigation, and more.
Which is better, a PMP or a master's in project management?
Both options can accelerate your career. You can earn Aa project management professional (PMP) certification can be earned in less time than a masterand 's, and it is widely recognized as a valuable asset. However, Aa master's degree program provides deeper expertise in project management policies and best practices.
What classes will I take in an online master's in project management program?
Online project management programs typically cover the fundamental principles of the field, like impact analysis, sustainability, risk procurement, scheduling and scope, stakeholder engagement, leadership, and data analysis.
Note: The insights on this page — excluding school descriptions — were reviewed by an independent third party compensated for their time by BestColleges. Page last reviewed February 11, 2024.
